In an effort to address ongoing academic underperformance at Union School Corporation, State Sen. Scott Alexander has proposed an amendment sparked by the district's disconcertingly low scores in both reading proficiency and state assessments. According to a statement released by the Indiana Senate Republicans, only 44.2% of the students passed the IREAD in 2024, a mere 3.7% tested proficient in Mathematics and English Language Arts in the ILEARN, and just 29.62% tested proficient in English and Math on the SAT exam.
Alexander points out that these issues are not a sudden occurrence but rather a persistent challenge that necessitates urgent attention and action. “These problems are not a new development, and this language was brought forward to help initiate the discussion on how to ensure these students are receiving the best education possible," said Alexander. The statement suggests a dire need for substantive conversations and solutions aimed at educational reform within the Union School Corporation.
The proposal by the Republican lawmaker comes in the wake of repeated calls from educators, parents, and advocacy groups for interventions to improve educational outcomes for students in the area. The dismal statistics have raised concerns about the readiness of these students for post-secondary education or entry into a competitive workforce, which relies increasingly on strong literacy and numeracy skills.
While the specifics of the proposed amendment have not been detailed in the senator's statement, it is clear that there is an imperative for change. The current state of Union School Corporation's education system is prompting lawmakers like Alexander to advocate for policy that tackle the root of the academic deficiencies.
